Merrimack Valley board votes to pursue phased renovations at Washington Street Learning Center amid budget concerns

The Merrimack Valley School Board voted 9–1–1 on Nov. 3 to accept the facilities committee’s recommendation to maintain programming at the Merrimack Valley Learning Center (Washington Street School) and to move forward with a phased plan to improve the facility.

The motion, made by Jessica Wheeler Russell and seconded by Stacy Jarvis, follows months of committee work and a facility assessment the board referred to as the Bonwell report, which estimates roughly $5,000,000 in needs for the building. Board members and members of the public debated whether the improvements should proceed now, how the district would pay for them and whether a separate warrant or public hearing is required for taxpayer approval.

Why it matters: The Learning Center provides alternative and special-education programming the district says reduces costly out-of-district placements and keeps students close to peers and community supports. Supporters told the board that the program’s proximity and specialized environment are critical to students’ mental-health and graduation outcomes; opponents warned the board to be cautious about committing money while the district still carries a multi-year deficit.

Details of the motion and finances Jessica Wheeler Russell, who presented the facilities committee recommendation, moved that the district “maintain the current programming at NVLC, the Merrimack Valley Learning Center, and move forward with the plan to improve the facility.” The measure passed by roll call: Tracy Bricky, Sally Hirsch Dickinson, Melissa Muzzy, Jessica Wheeler…